Texas executes man 20 years after he strangled, stabbed a young mother to death

A man from Texas, who was found guilty of the brutal murder of a young mother and the subsequent act of setting her body on fire a little over twenty years ago, was ultimately put to death by lethal injection on Wednesday.

Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 41, was pronounced dead at the Huntsville state penitentiary at 6:40 p.m., according to The Associated Press.

Mendoza’s conviction stemmed from the tragic event in March of 2004 when he was charged with the murder of 20-year-old mother Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson. He then transported her body to a field located behind his residence, where it remained for multiple days, as confirmed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

U.S. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday denied Mendoza’s request for a stay of execution and a petition for a writ of certiorari, finding a previous appeals attorney who represented him did not fail to provide effective counsel, as alleged, according to the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP).

lethal injection table

Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 41, was executed by lethal injection on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)

Similarly, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday denied a request to commute his death sentence. The board previously declined to recommend clemency.

The TCADP, an advocacy organization aimed at ending the death penalty in Texas, claimed that over the last two decades behind bars, Mendoza “transformed from an impulsive, risk-taking, and self-centered late adolescent to an empathic man of faith who has a positive influence on those around him, including guards, chaplains, and wardens.”

He earned certificates in multiple self-improvement and faith-based programs and maintained meaningful relationships with his family, according to the TCADP.

Mendoza was the third person executed in Texas this year and the thirteenth person put to death nationwide.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

–>

You May Also Like
Johnson Controls gifts Kennedy King College in Englewood $373K for scholarships, costs for HVAC students

Johnson Controls Donates $373K to Kennedy King College in Englewood for HVAC Student Scholarships and Expenses

CHICAGO (WLS) — There is a growing demand for professionals in heating,…
Sen. Dick Durbin says he is not running for reelection; leaving major implications across political landscape in Illinois

Senator Dick Durbin decides not to seek reelection, causing significant impact on Illinois political scene.

CHICAGO — Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, announced on Wednesday…
The Fly on the Vatican Wall

Observing Secrets at the Vatican

Both of these individuals have openly displayed their Catholic faith in the…
Kristin Smart killer's Hail Mary attempt for reduced sentence criticized by AG: 'Meritless claims'

Attorney General criticizes Kristin Smart murderer’s attempt for reduced sentence as ‘unfounded claims’

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is pushing back against Paul Flores, the…
'The Conners' cast gets sentimental ahead of the season finale

The actors of ‘The Conners’ show emotional feelings before the last episode of the season

It’s the beginning of the end for “The Conners” and the cast…
Florida man's bloodcurdling threat after he saw black girl, 9, appear on his doorstep selling candy

Florida man makes horrifying threat after encountering 9-year-old black girl selling candy at his door

A white Florida man threatened to shoot a nine-year-old black girl after…
Mel Owens Set As ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Season 2 Lead: Everything We Know About The Former NFL Player

Mel Owens to Star in Season 2 of ‘The Golden Bachelor’: What We Know About the Ex-NFL Player

Gerry Turner, step aside. A fresh face has emerged as the new…
Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial opens at a different #MeToo moment with new allegations from former model

New allegations from former model as Harvey Weinstein’s retrial starts during a changed #MeToo era

In New York, the #MeToo retrial of Harvey Weinstein began on Wednesday,…
Gavin Newsom performs political U-turn after shameful plan for migrant's release was revealed

“Gavin Newsom reverses course after controversial migrant release plan exposed”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has made a surprising decision to cooperate with…
Tennessee board recommends that governor pardon country star Jelly Roll

Tennessee board recommends governor to grant pardon to country star Jelly Roll

In Nashville, Tennessee, the Tennessee Board of Parole has put forward a…
Super Bowl winner Steve McMichael dies at age 67 following heartbreaking ALS battle

Former Super Bowl champion Steve McMichael passes away at 67 after battling debilitating ALS

Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael has died at the age of 67 following…
Missouri boy, 13, suspended by school over his Dr. Pepper 'artwork'... can you see why?

Why was a 13-year-old boy in Missouri suspended by his school for his Dr. Pepper ‘artwork’?

A 13-year-old Missouri boy was suspended from school after he posted a…